Easy way to read a Topographical Map

• 1). Look at the key. The key will tell you how many feet of elevation lie between each line on the map. Many topo maps will also have numbers that show hills, valleys, rivers and streams.
  
  
• 2). Find the lowest point on the map. Trace over that contour line in red.
  
  
• 3). Find the highest point on the map. This will usually be the smallest concentric line on the map. Trace over this line in blue. Remember: elevations are colder, so they're blue.
  
  
• 4). Look at the lines between the highest point and the lowest. Where the lines are close together, the terrain will be steep. Where the lines are farther apart, the slope is more gradual.